DOT to allow partial dine-in services of restaurants in GCQ areas starting June 15

The Department of Tourism on Sunday said restaurants in areas under the general community quarantine will be allowed to operate at 30-percent seating capacity for dine-in customers starting Monday, June 15.

An earlier report on “24 Oras News Alert” stated that partial dine-in operations in hotel restaurants in GCQ areas have been allowed, provided the establishments strictly observe safety measures and health protocols.

A later report by Mav Gonzales’ report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday indicated that restaurants in GCQ areas, not just hotel restaurants, have been given the go-signal to offer dine-in at 30-percent capacity provided they follow the official guidelines.

According to the “24 Oras Weekend” report, however, several restaurants in Tomas Morato in Quezon City will still not open their dine-in services despite the loosened protocols.

“We wanted to see and test the waters muna sa mga ibang restaurants na magbubukas. Kasi ‘yong aming experience with the take out and delivery, maraming mga nagbago along the way. Maraming mga guidelines na in-improve at chinange,” Miguel Moreno, owner of Palm Grill Restaurant, said.

Based on the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, restaurants that will resume dine-in operations should have a foot bath, thermal scanners, alcohol, distance between tables, and dividers.

“Walang accreditation pero ang requirement po ay compliance nitong protocol,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“Sana ‘di nila ipilit kung half-baked ‘yong compliance doon sa protocol kasi ‘pag nakita natin ‘yan, we’ll order temporary closure under the IATF resolution until they comply,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo added.

While buffet remains prohibited, samgyeopsal restaurants are allowed to accept dine-in customers, as long as they follow protocols and bar face-to-face seating. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LBG/BM, GMA News